Skip The Caribbean: This Underrated Destination Has All-Inclusive Resorts & Golden Beaches

For many people, the Caribbean is the go-to paradise destination for a vacation filled with sun, sand, and surf. The Caribbean is filled with incredible all-inclusive luxury resorts, as well as stunningly beautiful beaches, warm, clear waters, and a vibrant, exciting atmosphere that is hard to beat. But sometimes, travelers want to try something new. While the attractions of the Caribbean are obvious, it isn't all gorgeous perfection, with plenty of hotels and all-inclusive resorts to avoid. There are also some wonderful, underrated spots around the world that serve up a similar combination of fabulous beaches, great culture, and all-inclusive luxury that don't get the attention that perhaps they deserve. One of these hidden-gem destinations is Egypt's exquisite North Coast, a getaway that is one of the most underrated places in the Mediterranean.

The North Coast of Egypt stretches west along the Mediterranean Sea from Alexandria to the Libyan border. It is divided into four main areas: Marassi, New Alamein, Sidi Abdel Rahman, and the North West Coast. The best airport for accessing the region is Marsa Matruh International Airport (MUH), which is roughly midway between Alexandria and Libya, served by routes from Italy and Czechia, as well as domestic flights from Cairo and Alexandria. Alternatively, the Alexandria-Marsa Matruh highway runs the length of the North West Coast, so arriving in Alexandria and hiring a car is a valid option as well.

The main attraction of Egypt's North Coast is the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist hubs and relax on some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Miles and miles of white sand stretch along the glittering, crystal-clear waters, backed by small towns of low-rise, whitewashed buildings. Often described as the Maldives of Europe, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible beach days, but there are a few that stand out. Almaza Bay, under an hour from the airport, is a great choice for luxury travelers thanks to its elegant 5-star resorts and great bars and restaurants. Marassi is another favorite, an area with an 18-hole golf course and access to the historic battlefield of El Alamein. If you are looking for a little more seclusion, Sidi Heneish has a quieter atmosphere, with fewer nightlife options, surrounded by a stark desert landscape.

Egypt's North Coast has been a hugely popular destination for Egyptian tourists for years, but a buzz has begun to develop among foreign travelers as well. This has meant that the western end of the coast, further away from Alexandria, has become something of a party hotspot, with bars, clubs, and international DJs popping up at beach clubs and exclusive resorts like Ghazala Bay, Hacienda White, and Caesar Bay.

Egypt's North Coast is not much of a diving destination, but it's a great place for other watersports. The calm waters are ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and adrenaline-fuelled banana boat rides, and there are some great waterparks for families with kids, like Marassi Water World.

Knowing where to stay on Egypt's North Coast can be a slightly tricky business. The majority of the developments along the Mediterranean coast are gated residential villages filled with vacation homes owned by wealthy Egyptians, built in the 1990s and 2000s. These compounds tend to be self-sustaining, with their own beaches, restaurants, shops, and amenities, as the distances along the North Coast are significant and getting around without a rental car is difficult. There are plenty of vacation homes to rent, but choosing an established hotel or resort is usually a better idea, as it takes away the stress of arranging transportation or finding places to eat and things to do.

The North Coast isn't overflowing with hotels as yet, but those that are here are exceptional. For example, the Rixos Premium Alamein has huge Marina Bay Sands in Singapore vibes, with its eye-catching architecture and stunning sea views. The Address Marassi Beach Resort is a classic, a luxury resort with everything you could possibly want, from a pristine beach to a world-class golf course. The fascinating beach sculptures of the Al Alamein Hotel add interest to your vacation snaps, and this is a great choice for travelers who want to explore beyond the confines of their resort, as it is within easy reach of all the amenities of Marassi, including the mall, the marina, and the waterpark.

The best time to visit the North Coast is undoubtedly from June to September. It's an incredibly seasonal destination, and from October through April, most of the hotels, restaurants, and even basic amenities like supermarkets will be closed. The weather during the summer months is excellent, with cool sea breezes taking the edge off the high temperatures and making it a far more bearable prospect than spots like Cairo or Alexandria.